What's In A Word?

For those of you who know me, you know that I follow that age-old "a proverb a day" thing. Depending on the date, I read the corresponding Proverb. This insures that I am seeking wisdom on a daily basis; that I am seeking understanding (because everytime I read a Proverb, God teaches me something new); that I am allowing God to speak to me. Today is the 4th (for those of you without calendars), and I am in Proverbs 4.

For those parents out there, have you ever thought about how you react to things concerning your children? Many times we overreact, not clearly understanding the situation, and jump to conclusions. Other times, we react based on the situation at hand. No matter our reaction, our response is based on one truth - protection. We will go to any and all lengths to protect our child. No matter what that child thinks, we will do everything within our power to do what is best for them. But when it comes to ourselves, too often we don't see the importance.

So it is with our hearts. We are instructed in Proverbs 4:23 "above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Have you ever stopped to think "what is a wellspring"? Well, the obvious conclusion is that it is like water that nourishes us. And that is partially right. But, looking at the definition of the word, we find out that it really is a source of life. The source of who we are is found in the heart. If we fail to protect our heart against bad language, pornography, lustful thoughts, etc., then we allow the source of who we are to become toxic. Would we allow our children to swim in a cesspool? Would we ourselves drink from a corrupted water source? I hope that the answer for you is the same as it is for me...a resounding "no". If that is the case, then why do we lower our guard far too often when it comes to what God tells us is our source of life?

Guard your heart. Allow your mind to focus on what is of God; that which is holy and righteous. This is why God has given us these words of wisdom. He wants to protect His children from those things that we can't yet see.